Veterinarians fighting antimicrobial resistance

Contents

Veterinarians (vets) are unique – yours is the only profession where you can protect human health while improving the health and welfare of the animals you treat.

This page contains information on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for vets. For an overview of AMR as a global issue and what people who own and/or take care of animals can do, please visit the antimicrobial resistance page.

Uniformly low rates of resistance (<10%) to some critically important antimicrobials (third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones) in E. coli isolated from companion animals (equivalent to the rates observed in humans in Australia).

Extremely low rates of resistance to third generation cephalosporins (<3%) and fluoroquinolones (<1%) in E. coli isolated from livestock.

Absence of resistance to carbapenems (the antibiotic of last resort in humans) in both companion animal and livestock E. coli.

Even though this report found low rates of resistance in animal bacteria to critically important drugs, it is important to continue to keep them low by promoting One Health (interlinking health of animals, humans and the environment) focused initiatives on antibiotic stewardship, infection control
and biosecurity, and viable alternatives to antibiotics.

Always consult the best therapeutic guidelines available and be aware of using antibiotics that are important to human health.

Only use antibiotics when bacterial infection is present or very likely to occur

Non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animals should never replace good animal care and management. Always justify the use of antibiotics based on a risk-benefit analysis.

Use the narrowest spectrum antibiotic to control bacteria

Narrow spectrum antibiotics maximises the control of target bacteria without selecting for resistance in non-target bacteria.

Use the appropriate dosage for the infection, site and species

Too little antibiotic can result in sub-therapeutic concentrations at the target site and increases the risk of resistance, but overdosing can also be harmful. Always consider localised application before systemic use, and be aware of antibiotic withdrawal times in food producing animals.

Minimise the duration of therapy

Review the efficacy after a short course and always use the antibiotic for the shortest duration required for resolution of infection.

What is antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)?

Antimicrobial stewardship refers to coordinated interventions designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antimicrobials by promoting the selection of the optimal antimicrobial drug regimen, dose, duration of therapy, and route of administration.

Each veterinary practice should have an AMS plan that covers the 5R's (as borrowed and expanded from research colleagues) below:

Responsibility: The prescribing veterinarian takes personal responsibility for the decision to use antimicrobials and any resulting impacts on the animal and others.

Reduction: Reduce antimicrobial use by vaccination, preventing infection, giving preference to topical and local antimicrobials, and avoiding unjustified prophylactic use and use in non-bacterial infections.

Principles of appropriate or prudent use of antimicrobials

Dr Stephen Page reviewed 32 global and national guidelines on the prudent use of antibiotics and collated principles that fit into six categories: pre-treatment principles, diagnosis, therapeutic objective and plan, drug selection, medication use, and post-treatment considerations. A poster is available
for download below.

Application of these principles optimises the use of antibiotics so that therapeutic efficacy is maximised and selection for resistant micro-organisms is minimised. These should be used in conjunction with professional judgement and prioritisation of animal health and welfare.

Resources and presentations

For more information on AMR including AMR
strategies and plans, online courses and prescribing guidelines; and to watch
presentations by the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, the former Australian
Chief Medical Officer, a cattle veterinary specialist and a professor in
veterinary microbiology, please visit the resources and presentations page.

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.